Hardwick was voted to Bowling Magazine's Post-1950 All-America team and later as one of the magazine's "20 Best Bowlers of the 20th Century." He literally burst into national bowling prominence when he won seven PBA titles and two USBC Open Championships crowns within three years after entering the pro ranks in 1963-64. All of this came after failing to cash in his first 17 PBA tournaments in 1962.